Motorized awning installation and method of controlling such an installation

ABSTRACT

This motorized awning installation (I) comprises a winding tube ( 1 ) containing an actuator ( 6 ) for turning this tube, and a load bar ( 5 ) supported by hinged arms ( 4 ). An awning fabric ( 3 ) is attached to the load bar ( 5 ) and is capable of being selectively wound up onto the winding tube ( 1 ). Means ( 11 ) are provided for locking at least one hinged arm ( 4 ) in several positions corresponding to total or partial extension of the awning. This makes it possible to lock the arms ( 4 ) in the extended configuration and to tension the fabric when stopping the awning.

The field of the invention is motorized sunshades, and in particular awnings with hinged or extendable arms, such as storefront awnings. It relates to a motorized awning installation.

An awning installation with hinged arms usually comprises a winding tube, held at either end in a box or on brackets, with folding arms, an awning fabric, and a rigid bar known as the load bar. A tubular actuator provides motive force for the installation.

These awnings generally operate on the following principle: the awning fabric is attached along one edge to the winding tube, inside which is the tubular actuator. This actuator turns the tube and so winds or unwinds the fabric. The fabric is also attached along its opposite edge to the load bar. The load bar is for keeping the fabric in position and optionally may act as a front face for closing a box containing the awning. The arms of the awning are attached at one end to the awning box or to appropriate brackets, and at the other end to the load bar. They include at least one hinge between two rigid segments, the hinge enabling them to fold and unfold. Inside at least one of the rigid segments of the arms is a spring with one end attached to the segment in which it is sitting and the other, via a cable or strap or chain, to the other rigid segment on the further side of the hinge. This spring is under tension when the arms are folded.

Arm-type awnings are generally extended in an approximately horizontal direction. The fabric cannot therefore be extended simply by the weight of the load bar. To extend the awning, the arms are caused by the springs to attempt to extend, so that if the actuator allows the winding tube to rotate, the fabric will be pulled out by the arms and the awning will extend. When retracting the awning, the actuator turns the winding tube and the pull of the fabric draws the arms back in.

The arm springs generally have a high coefficient of stiffness. Indeed, it is a requirement that awnings conventionally sold on the market unwind with the fabric very taut, regardless of how far the awning is extended, for esthetic and technical reasons, notably the prevention of pooling of rainwater, greater structural rigidity, and improved wind resistance.

Over time, the tensile stresses on the fabric cause it to stretch and elongate. This may require additional adjustments over the life of the installation.

The position of the bottom limit of extension of an awning is generally identified by a counting device. In this position the arms are said to be locked, which means that they are extended slightly beyond the configuration in which their rigid segments define a straight line. The arms are then locked. This locked position enables the fabric. and the awning to be properly tensioned, e.g. against the wind.

The passage through the locked position, when extending or more particularly when retracting the awning, requires a high driving torque between the actuator and the tube. Actuators for arm-type awnings are therefore designed for a high torque, which is only really necessary when unlocking the arms. The rest of the movement requires only a moderate torque.

The complete awning must meet the requirements of precision, sensitivity and waterproofing. In view of these requirements, the motors for known awnings are expensive because the actuators have to be powerful, capable conventionally of generating a torque of 25 to 120 Nm, and the counting devices have to be elaborate.

Also, to stop the awning in an intermediate position, a specific control of the actuator has to be provided in order to tension the fabric.

It is therefore an object of the invention to solve these problems, to simplify the control of the movement of an awning, and at the same time to maintain a fabric tension adapted to market demands.

To this end, the invention relates to a motorized awning installation that comprises a winding tube containing an actuator for turning this tube, and a load bar supported by hinged arms, an awning fabric being attached to the load bar and being capable of being selectively wound up onto the winding tube. This installation comprises means for locking at least one hinged arm in several positions corresponding to total or partial extension of the awning.

By means of the invention, the locking means enable the position of the hinged arms to be fixed, which ensures constancy over time of the relative position of the load bar and of the winding tube. In addition, the locking action provided in the various positions makes it possible, in each of these positions, to apply optimum tension to the fabric. The fully extended position of the awning can correspond to a configuration of the hinged arms beyond the configuration in which the arm segments define a straight line. Thus, when the awning is to be closed, beginning in this maximum position, it is no longer necessary to apply a high driving torque, so the power of the winding tube actuator can be reduced.

One particularly interesting application of the invention is to so-called stand-alone awnings, i.e. awnings that run on an energy source not connected to an electricity mains and possibly rechargeable, for example, by photovoltaic cells or rechargeable batteries, where it is particularly important to limit the electricity consumption and therefore limit the power required by the actuator when moving the awning and simultaneously keeping the fabric sufficiently taut.

The various functions generally associated with awnings are applicable within the context of the invention, for example the final approach at low torque or speed, and the destressing of the fabric. Other advantages associated with the invention are detailed below: a position counter is not necessary, the awning can move between stop points, the box at one end and a stop on the arms at the other. This structure therefore simplifies the actuator which can more easily be made watertight. Indeed, counting devices are points of entry for moisture, a difficulty for the manufacturer as such an awning is mounted out of doors. These stops can also be used to find the position when operating the awning by hand in a system with electronic counting if the power is down.

In accordance with aspects of the invention that are advantageous but not obligatory, an installation as outlined above may incorporate one or more of the following features:

-   -   The locking means are electromechanical;     -   The locking means comprise a locking member capable of engaging         with a component which moves relative to the arm as a function         of its extension, this member being subjected to the action of         an electromagnet activatable as a function of the operation of a         winding-tube driving actuator;     -   The locking means are activatable by the tension of the fabric;     -   The installation comprises a solar panel supplying electricity         to a winding-tube driving actuator;     -   The installation comprises a control unit capable of actuating         the locking means and controlling the winding-tube drive means.

The invention also relates to a method of controlling an installation as described above, and, more specifically, a method of controlling a motorized awning installation comprising a winding tube and a load bar supported by hinged arms, an awning fabric being attached to the load bar and being able to be selectively wound up onto the winding tube. This method comprises, after stopping a movement of extension or retraction of the awning in a fully or partially extended position, the following stages:

-   -   a) locking at least one of the arms in the stopped position, and     -   b) tensioning the fabric by a complementary winding up of the         fabric onto the tube.

Because of the locking in position of the hinged arm, the method of the invention makes it possible to post-tension the fabric and thus makes it possible for the correct tension to be applied to the fabric in whatever position it is stopped.

In various advantageous embodiments of this method, the complementary winding up of the fabric is performed in stage b) through a predetermined angle of rotation, until a predetermined fabric tension is obtained or for a predetermined duration.

Finally, in accordance with another advantageous aspect, the fabric tension obtained in stage b) is used to lock the arm in stage a).

The invention will be understood more clearly, and other features thereof made more clearly apparent, in the light of the following description of an embodiment of an installation in accordance with its principle and of a method of controlling this installation, the description being given by way of non-restrictive example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the principle of an installation in accordance with the invention,

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic views showing the principle of a locking device of a hinged arm belonging to the installation shown in FIG. 1,

FIGS. 3A-3D are schematic side views of the installation shown in FIG. 1 as the awning is extended,

FIGS. 4A-4F are views similar to FIGS. 3A-3D as the awning is retracted, and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method of controlling the installation shown in FIGS. 1-4.

The installation I shown in FIGS. 1-3 comprises a winding tube 1 in a box 2 mounted on a structure such as a wall of a building B. An awning fabric 3 is designed to be wound to a greater or lesser extent on the tube 1.

The installation I also includes two articulated folding arms 4 attached at one end to the box 2 and at the other to a load bar 5 keeping the fabric 3 taut across its breadth. The arms consist of two rigid segments 41, which may be of metal, connected by a hinge or elbow 42. At least one of the rigid segments of each arm 4 is equipped with a tensioning means 10, usually in the form of a spring which is tensed when the arms 4 are folded. The tensioning means is attached by a rigid attachment connection, at one end to the rigid segment comprising the tensioning means 10, and at the other to the second rigid segment on the further side of the hinge.

In a variant, only one of the arms 4 has a tensioning means 10.

The arms are also each fitted with a locking device 11 for locking the arms in different positions, preferably in any desired position along their path of extension.

A locking device 11 is shown schematically in FIGS. 2A and 2B. This device sits inside an arm segment, the segment 41 for example. It acts on a first rigid rod 43 inserted in the rigid attachment connection, between the tensioning means 10 and the arm hinge.

Because of the articulation at the hinge, the rigid rod undergoes translational movements represented by the double arrow F₂, these movements being linked to the change in length of the tensioning means 10, relative to the arm segment 41.

Since the locking device is fixed to the arm segment 41, the springs are unable to extend the arms when the locking device prevents translational movement of the rigid rod.

This device comprises a mechanical locking member 111 defining a slot 112 in which the rigid rod 43 is engaged. The member 111 is hinged about an axis X₁₁₁ perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X₄₃ of the rigid rod, which coincides with the longitudinal axis X₄₁ of the segment 41. The pivot mounting is fixed to the arm segment 41. The dimensions of the slot 112 are such that the segment 41 can slide through this slot when the member 111 is lying in a direction D₁₁₁approximately perpendicular to the axis X₄₃. The member 111 is acted upon by a return spring 113 which applies to it a force F₁ tending to tilt the member 111 about the axis X₁₁₁, making the direction D₁₁₁no longer perpendicular to the axis X₄₁. In this configuration, the member 11 prevents movement of the rigid rod.

The return spring 113 is also attached to the arm segment 41.

An electromagnet 114 is arranged close to the member 111, which is made of a magnetic material. The electro-magnet is designed so that when it is on, it keeps the member 111 firmly in the configuration shown in FIG. 2A, in opposition to the force F₁, so that the rigid rod 43 can slide through the slot 112, in the direction of the double arrow F₂ in this figure.

When the electromagnet 114 is de-energized, as shown in FIG. 2B, the member 111 tilts about the axis X₁₁₁ under the action of the force F₁. The slot 112 is thus oriented in such a way that it prevents the rigid rod from sliding through it.

The electromagnet is also attached to the arm segment 41.

Inside the winding tube 1 is a tubular electrical actuator 6 with an output shaft (not shown) turning the tube 1 in first and second directions. Locking this output shaft, for example by a brake (not shown), will also keep the winding tube locked.

When the awning is being extended, the actuator 6 at least partly releases the brake, allowing the winding tube to rotate in a first direction. The arms 4 are forced by the tensioning means 10 to extend, taking with them the load bar 5 and the fabric 3. The tensioning means may have a relatively low constant of stiffness.

The actuator also includes a device 7 inside the actuator, for monitoring the torque transmitted by the actuator (motor torque) or experienced by it (resistive torque). This monitoring device 7 provides indirect monitoring of the tension of the fabric 3.

The installation 1 also includes a solar panel 8 comprising a number of photovoltaic cells and an electronic unit 9, inside the actuator, for controlling the tension of the fabric 3. The solar panel can power the actuator 6 and/or the locking devices 11.

In a variant, the actuator 6 or the devices 11 may be powered by rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries.

When the fabric is being wound up, the actuator 6 turns the winding tube 1 in a second direction, pulling the fabric 3 and forcing the arms 4 to fold.

The method of operating the installation is shown in FIGS. 3A-3D and 4A-4F.

In an initial open position, FIG. 3A, the arms are locked and the awning fabric is taut.

Following a command to extend, the tensioning means 10 and/or gravity open the arms and unwind the awning in the direction of arrow F₃ in FIG. 3B. Since the tensioning means 10 have little stiffness, the fabric 3 is now relaxed. When the awning reaches a desired position, the devices 11 are actuated to lock each of the arms 4 in position.

More precisely, when the actuator 6 is activated, the electromagnet 114 is powered, so that the member 111 adopts the position shown in FIG. 2A. When the awning reaches the desired position shown in FIG. 3C, the actuator 6 is stopped and the power to the electro-magnet 114 is turned off, so that the member 111 adopts the configuration seen in FIG. 2B, where the portion 41 of the corresponding arm 4 is immobilized by the member 111, as represented by arrow F₄ in FIG. 3C.

The awning can be stopped in the desired position either by the user or by an automatic command, for example on the basis of a position signal or a signal from the device 7 or from a sensor connected to the awning.

In this way, the invention makes it possible to lock each arm 4 in any fully or partially extended position.

After stopping and locking the arms 4 in the desired position, the actuator 6 automatically turns the winding tube 1 in the reverse direction to tension the fabric again, as shown by arrow F₅ in FIG. 3D.

This extra tension in the fabric 3, which is caused by a complementary winding up of the fabric onto the tube 1, has the effect of applying to the portion 41 of the arm 4 a force F₆ which, as shown in FIG. 2B, is added to the force F₂ of the spring 113 to lock the member 111 on the portion 41. In other words, the tension of the fabric itself can, via the force F₆, activate the locking device 111.

To close the awning, the method is applied in the reverse order. Once again, in the initial open position shown in FIG. 4A, the arms are locked, as represented by arrow F₄, and the awning fabric is taut.

Following a command to close the awning, the actuator turns the winding tube in a first direction of rotation indicated by arrow F₇ so as to relax the fabric 3 and mechanically free the arms 4, as shown in FIG. 4B. The device 11 is then unlocked, as shown by arrow F₄ in FIG. 4C, whereupon the actuator turns the winding tube in a second direction, that of arrow F₈, to wind up the fabric and fold the arms, as shown in FIG. 4D. During this folding stage, monitoring is applied in order to stop the rewinding action when a threshold is reached. The parameter monitored in this stage by the unit 9 may be the actuation time, an angle of rotation or a torque. When a predetermined value of the monitored parameter has been reached, the complementary winding of the fabric 3 is stopped. The monitored parameter can be defined during a learning process.

The fabric 3 is now under gentle tension.

Once in the desired position, the actuator is stopped, as shown in FIG. 4E. The locking devices 11 are then activated, as shown by arrow F₄ in FIG. 4F. The actuator then turns the fabric in the direction of arrow F₁o to increase the tension on it and mechanically lock the arms.

During mechanical tensioning of the fabric or during complete closure of the awning, e.g. when sealing the box shut, the actuator must deliver peak torque during a short movement and at a very low speed.

For this purpose, the use of a d.c. motor actuator, rather than an asynchronous motor is found to be of particular advantage, d.c. motors being capable of running efficiently at a nominal speed but also of supplying a closing torque much greater than the nominal torque.

The actuator 6 advantageously comprises an electric brake (not shown) capable of holding this closing torque.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart representing the stages described above:

The awning is unwound (stage 201) until stopped in a desired position (stage 202). As it stops, the locking devices 11 are actuated (stage 203). After this stage the awning is retracted slightly (stage 204), i.e. a complementary winding up of the fabric onto the tube 1 is performed, to tension the fabric 3 and possibly to lock the arms mechanically as explained above with reference to the force F₆. During this retracting stage, monitoring is applied (stage 205), as explained above, to discontinue the retraction when a threshold is reached. When the monitored parameter has reached a predetermined value (stage 206), the complementary winding of the fabric 3 is stopped (stage 207).

The invention has been illustrated with one particular type of locking device shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. This device 11 has the advantage of limiting the consumption of electricity of the electromagnet 114, which only needs to be powered when the arm 4 on which it acts is being extended or retracted.

Other locking systems may be envisioned, such as fully mechanical systems that self-lock depending on the direction of movement applied by the actuator. Other electromechanical locking systems may also be envisioned.

It is not essential for the tension of the fabric to activate the locking device 11 or equivalent, since the device can be controlled independently of the force F₆. Alternatively, the locking device may be controlled by this force alone, as for example in the case of a fully mechanical self-locking device.

In a variant, the locking member, 111 or equivalent, of the locking device 11 may act directly on one of the segments 41 of the arm 4 or on a locking catch of this arm.

The invention is also applicable where only one of the arms 4 is equipped with a locking device 11. 

1. A motorized awning installation comprising a winding tube containing an actuator for turning this tube, and a load bar supported by hinged arms, an awning fabric being attached to the load bar and being capable of being selectively wound up onto the winding tube, wherein said installation comprises means for locking at least one hinged arm in several positions corresponding to total or partial extension of the awning.
 2. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking means are electromechanical.
 3. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking means comprise a locking member capable of engaging with a component which moves relative to the arm as a function of its extension, this member being subjected to the action of an electromagnet activatable as a function of the operation of a winding-tube driving actuator.
 4. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking means are activatable by the tension of the fabric.
 5. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein it comprises a solar panel supplying electricity to a winding-tube driving actuator.
 6. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein it comprises a control unit capable of actuating the locking means and controlling the winding-tube drive means.
 7. A method of controlling a motorized awning installation comprising a winding tube and a load bar supported by hinged arms, an awning fabric being attached to the load bar and being able to be selectively wound up onto the winding tube, wherein said method comprises, after stopping a movement of extension or retraction of the awning in a fully or partially extended position, the following stages: a) locking at least one of the arms in the stopped position, and b) tensioning the fabric by a complementary winding up of the fabric onto the tube.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein, in stage b), the complementary winding up of the fabric is performed through a predetermined angle of rotation.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein, in stage b), the complementary winding up of the fabric is performed until a predetermined fabric tension is obtained.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein, in stage b), the complementary winding up of the fabric is performed for a predetermined period.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fabric tension obtained in stage b) is used to lock the arm in stage a). 